Resultant Forces

What is a resultant force?

The single force that has the same effect as all the original forces acting on an object combined.

What happens when multiple forces act on an object?

They can be added or subtracted to give a resultant force in one direction.

What is a free body diagram?

A diagram showing all the forces acting on an object, including their directions and relative magnitudes.

What do arrows on a free body diagram show?

The direction and relative magnitude of the forces acting on the object.

What two forces act on a skydiver during free fall?

Weight (downwards) and drag (upwards).

How do you find the resultant force from multiple forces?

Add forces in the same direction and subtract forces in opposite directions.

In which direction is the resultant force on a skydiver during free fall?

Downwards (if weight > drag).

What is meant by the term 'single force'?

A force that replaces all others acting at a point and has the same overall effect.

What does it mean if forces are along the same line?

They are parallel, and their effects can be added/subtracted directly.

In a free body diagram, what is the first step to calculate the resultant force?

Separate the horizontal and vertical forces.

In the example, if the horizontal forces are 1200 N (right) and 1000 N (left), what is the horizontal resultant force?

200 N to the right.

If vertical forces are 1500 N (up) and 1500 N (down), what is the vertical resultant force?

0 N — balanced forces.

Why is the resultant force important?

It determines the motion or change in motion of an object.

What is the typical case of resultant force in a falling object?

The difference between weight (down) and air resistance (up).